Many of us standing together are more powerful than any of us standing alone.

The American Federation of Musicians represents more than 70,000 musicians across the US and Canada performing in all fields and genres, including freelance gigging musicians, session musicians, touring, recording artists, composers/arrangers—from nightclubs to theater pits to concert halls—and everything in between.

The AFM safeguards musicians’ rights at work by negotiating and enforcing contracts for higher wages and better working conditions, protecting intellectual property and restricting the misuse of artificial intelligence in music, empowering musicians to have a voice in their workplaces, and defending musicians against abuse, including unfair treatment and dismissal. Agreements cover TV programs, cable TV, independent films, and video games, and more recently, AFM members have secured groundbreaking contracts providing royalties for digital transmissions and recordings of live performances.

Resources For Freelance Musicians

Many AFM members are freelancers, meaning they are not regularly employed by a symphony, theater production, or media production. Musicians have been part of the gig economy long before it even had a name.

AFM Entertainment
List your group on AFM Entertainment, where musicians help musicians get paid gigs for private events like weddings.

Fair Trade Music
Building an organization city-by-city raising standards for working musicians through organizing, collective action, and inspiration.

Organize!
Get more information about organizing and how a union works for musicians.

 

Why Join?

Joining the AFM offers musicians support and protection in a demanding industry. AFM empowers musicians by providing a united voice, strengthening their negotiating power, and offering resources to navigate the complexities of the music world. Additionally, the Federation actively advocates for musicians’ rights, promoting legislation that safeguards their intellectual property and fosters a healthy music ecosystem.

All musicians, from young bands just starting out to seasoned performers working regularly, deserve fair wages, good working conditions, access to healthcare, and a secure retirement. As a member, you have the opportunity to influence the direction of our union through your interest and involvement. Your membership will empower you to participate in the governance of the union, ensuring that it remains responsive to your needs and effectively serves the interests of all musicians. Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members.

 

Join together with AFM musicians to have a voice, build power, and earn a decent living. Many of us standing together are more powerful than any of us standing alone.

U.S. Residents  >>   Join Now

Canadian Residents  >>   Join Now (English)      Rejoindre maintenant (French)

Price Quote: Contact your local to learn about pricing.

Renew Your Current Membership  >>   Here

 

By joining AFM you are joining the largest union of musicians in the world. Don’t go it alone—join 70,000 musicians throughout the United States and Canada making the music industry work for musicians.

More Information, email: membership@afm.org  or call (800) 762-3444 x243